The LORD

Bless You

And Keep You

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.

Numbers 6:22-27

We have all heard this special blessing so many times in our lives. It may be the benediction we are so familiar with. It may be sung between two married people, or parents to children. It is a blessing of love and tenderness.

A benediction is not simply a ritualistic closing; it is a genuine prayer wish for God’s goodness to follow the other person. In blessing others, we express gratitude for what God has done for us through Christ’s death.

God gives blessing to us so we can be a blessing to others.

Our Daily Bread – January 25, 2009